China has solidified its position as one of the world’s most influential global powers. In this context, it is becoming increasingly important to prepare professionals who can understand and lead Chile’s relationship with this key international player. The Schwarzman Scholars program stands out as an initiative that annually offers young professionals from around the world the opportunity to complete a fully funded Master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.
To encourage more Chilean candidates to apply and to deepen relationships with local institutions, Jason Rathman, Outreach and Selection Officer at Schwarzman Scholars, visited Chile in May. His agenda included university talks, a networking event with young professionals, and a breakfast gathering with the Luksic Scholars Community.
Over 140 students, academics, and professionals participated in the activities, learning more about international education opportunities for Chilean professionals and hearing firsthand from Luksic Scholars who have pursued global experiences—such as Felipe Flores and Natalia Méndez, the first Chilean ever admitted to Schwarzman Scholars.
The talks, aimed at students and faculty, were held at several leading academic institutions: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Universidad de Chile, Universidad Diego Portales, and Universidad de Santiago de Chile.
Regarding the purpose of his visit, Jason Rathman emphasized the importance of expanding Chilean participation in the program:
“At Schwarzman Scholars, fostering truly global representation among our applicants is central to our mission. It enriches the program with diverse perspectives and experiences that are critical to shaping leaders capable of addressing the world’s complex challenges. Chile and Latin America have an especially important role to play in global issues like sustainability, trade, and innovation. We need those voices to be part of the conversation at Schwarzman Scholars in Beijing.”
Since 2018, the program has been part of Fundación Luksic’s International Education portfolio, which currently offers master’s-level scholarships at seven universities across five countries.
Strengthening Community Connections
As part of the visit, a breakfast was held to bring together members of the Luksic Scholars Community—individuals who have participated in Fundación Luksic’s International Education programs. The gathering served as a platform for dialogue on strengthening ties between Chile and China, and the role of international education in advancing that goal.
The event included a panel discussion on China’s impact on Chile’s economy, featuring speakers from both academia and the private sector: María Montt, Vice President for International Affairs at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Pedro Herane, CEO of VSPT Wine Group; and Ignacio Tornero, founder and CEO of East Consulting.
During her remarks, academic and Luksic Scholar María Montt highlighted the importance of strengthening academic ties with China: “China is not only a strategic commercial partner for Chile but also a key player in both the current and future global landscape. I believe our students and professionals must adopt a global mindset and understand that, from Chile, they can contribute to global challenges. Today, there are significant opportunities to do so, such as the Luksic Scholarship, and I hope many people will be inspired to apply this year.”
Flavia Zacconi, also an academic at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and a participant in the event, described the meeting as a valuable opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange: “It was an incredibly meaningful experience. Those of us who have received scholarships from Fundación Luksic work in a variety of fields, and gatherings like this allow us to reflect together on topics that are important both to Chile and to the world.”
Drawing on her background in science, innovation, and education, she added: “It’s essential to look toward China, a country that has rapidly advanced in many areas. Beyond seeing it as a model, we must build active collaborations that enrich our culture, strengthen academic exchange, and generate benefits that go beyond the economic—extending into the cultural, educational, and social realms as well.”
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR SCHWARZMAN SCHOLARS
Each year, Luksic Scholarships are available for the Schwarzman Scholars program. Applications are currently open and will close on September 10, 2025. To apply, candidates must hold a university degree in any discipline, be between 18 and 28 years old, and demonstrate English proficiency. More information is available on the program’s website.
